Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a attacker with six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate over their past two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a goalless game since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he can sustain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this season with six and will be anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four games take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten league games versus teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
